Restaurants in Southminster
Raj Indian Ocean
101 Main Rd, St Lawrence, SouthminsterHaving lived in the area for a year now, I’m mildly embarrassed that this was my first visit to Raj Indian Ocean in St Lawrence but I can confidently say it won’t be my last. In fact, I might just apply for Gold Executive Club status, because I’ll be coming back frequently.
From the moment we arrived, it was clear this wasn’t your average curry house. Set right on the water’s edge, the garden seating and dining area offer panoramic views across the Blackwater Estuary the kind of tranquil, horizon-stretching backdrop that makes you want to order a second cider and linger until the sun dips behind the sails.
We kicked things off with crisp poppadoms and all the proper trimmings chutneys, onions, pickles, mango magic everything perfectly fresh, not just a half-hearted afterthought. For mains, the mackerel coconut curry was a real standout rich, gently spiced, and laced with that silky southern Indian depth I’ve been dreaming of since my last Goa layover. The chicken skewers were juicy, chargrilled to perfection, and full of flavour. Naan breads were soft and slightly blistered in all the right places (not unlike my feet after a long-haul JFK turnaround), ideal for scooping and swiping every last drop of sauce.
Service-wise, the team hit the perfect balance: friendly without being over-familiar, professional without being stiff. It felt sincere the kind of genuine hospitality that’s increasingly hard to find. You could tell they took pride in what they were doing, and rightly so.
I may have spent years flying the globe and being wined and dined at 38,000 feet, but there’s something extra special about finding this level of flavour, service, and scenery just down the road with your feet firmly planted on Essex soil (and your cider glass never empty).
Raj Indian Ocean, you’re a hidden gem. I’m already plotting my return trip. Frequent flyer status pending…
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Superb57 Reviews 4.9
Oasis Dining
11 High St, SouthminsterFound this amazing place , the best tikka masala we have ever had.The atmosphere was friendly and relaxed.The young man who served us was kind and funny .Overall great experience and would highly recommend 5*
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Superb8 Reviews 5
Bellropes Countryside Retreat
Maldon Rd, Bradwell-on-Sea, SouthminsterWe recently stayed at Bellropes Countryside Retreat for an event over the weekend. Amazing location with fantastic views. Massive thanks to all of the Bellropes team for being so accommodating and helpful. For a large group of us with children it was perfect. Highly recommend and hopefully we will be returning next year as we were so happy.
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Superb7 Reviews 5
Wibblers Brewery, Taproom & Kitchen
Goldsands Rd, SouthminsterJust moved to the area and popped in to Wibblers last night, what a little gem of a place!
Lovely, local, family run business.
Great selection of drinks, delicious home cooked food in good portion sizes, and very reasonably priced. Merchandise and tours available (that's my father's day pressies sorted!)
Small free parking lot.
Will definitely be back.
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Superb28 Reviews 4.6
Southminster Bakery
1 Station Rd, SouthminsterI've popped in a couple of times now just to sit and read my book stàff are always cheerful and polite coffee is great, and vegan options too ! need soya milk though please
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Superb3 Reviews 5
The Station Arms
39 Station Rd, SouthminsterA wonderful cosy weatherboarded pub with a lovely beer garden. A large selection of very well kept local and regional cask ales. There is live music in the form of monthly blues and also folk music nights. There is no food though. A real gem of a pub and worth the journey there
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Superb11 Reviews 4.5
The Kings Head Southminster
2 High St, SouthminsterGreat friendly pub. The owner is flexible with requests. The food is great. Dogs allowed in the garden if well behaved.
Dietary restrictions: Vegetarian diary
Parking: Spaces are available in the parking lot or across the road
Wheelchair accessibility: Not all areas are wheelchair friendly, but 90% is
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Superb21 Reviews 4.4
White Horse
20 North St, SouthminsterStayed over Xmas & New Year 2019. While visiting family. Such a friendly and welcoming couple as well as their customers. Made to feel very comfortable. We will be back. See you soon. ?
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Good3 Reviews 3.3
Southminster Fish Bar
13 High St, SouthminsterBy far the best fish and chips I've ever had, the owners are friendly and are great at thier jobs. I've become a regular and often give tips for such great service and quality for money. Portion sizes are great too
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Average7 Reviews 2.9
Jasmin Oriental
17 High St, SouthminsterThe food is fast. Hot. Delicious. Perfectly seasoned or sweet etc. Massive chicken balls. Reasonably priced. 5 of us ate for £57. Favourite dish was crispy chilli beef. Moorish and naughty. But, if you're ordering Chinese it's unlikely you're calories counting!
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Average18 Reviews 3.1